Helsing vs Shield AI
Which Defense AI AI tool is better in 2026?
Helsing
Helsing is a new type of defence company providing AI-enabled precision mass and autonomous systems across all domains.
Shield AI
Autonomous AI software for defence
Side-by-side
Shield AI is the more established option (raised $2.0B); pricing is comparable on both sides.
| Metric | Helsing | Shield AI |
|---|---|---|
| Taglinei | Helsing is a new type of defence company providing AI-enabled precision mass and autonomous systems across all domains. | Autonomous AI software for defence |
| Foundedi | 2021 | 2015🏆 |
| HQi | DE | San Diego, US |
| Employeesi | 51-200🏆 | 500-1000 |
| Neuron scorei | 59 | 88🏆 |
| Total fundingi | Undisclosed | $2.0B🏆 |
| Latest roundi | — | Series G · Mar 2026 |
| Valuationi | — | $12.7B🏆 |
| Cheapest paid plani | — | — |
| Free plani | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free triali | ✗ | ✗ |
| Top tier pricei | Enterprise · Contact sales | Hivemind Enterprise · Contact sales |
| Pricing summaryi | 1 published plans | 2 published plans |
| Categoriesi |
Capability matrix
Developer-facing capabilities and access signals for Helsing and Shield AI.
| Capability | Helsing | Shield AI |
|---|---|---|
| MCP support | ✗ | ✗ |
| Public API | ✗ | ✗ |
| Webhooks | ✗ | ✗ |
| OAuth 2.0 | ✗ | ✗ |
| SDK languages | — | — |
| Free plan | ✗ | ✗ |
| Free trial | ✗ | ✗ |
| Verified | ✗ | ✓ |
| Active deal | ✗ | ✗ |
🟢 Strengths of Helsing
- Newer company (2021)
🔵 Strengths of Shield AI
- Has raised more capital ($2.0B vs Undisclosed)
- Higher Neuron score (88 vs 59)
- More mature (2015)
- Verified profile
Which should you choose?
Choose Shield AI if price matters most — it starts at Enterprise · Contact sales, which is friendlier for teams watching burn. Both Defense AI tools ship core features, so the cost delta often decides it for small teams and solo operators.
Choose Shield AI if you want the most established option — it has raised $2.0B, suggesting more runway for enterprise features, support, and long-term roadmap. For mission-critical workflows or larger teams, that stability often outweighs a lower monthly price.
Frequently asked questions
Helsing vs Shield AI — which is better?
It depends on your priority. Helsing is the leaner option; Shield AI has broader feature depth. See the side-by-side table above.
Is Helsing cheaper than Shield AI?
No — Shield AI's cheapest paid plan is Enterprise · Contact sales, while Helsing's is Enterprise · Contact sales.
Do Helsing and Shield AI offer free plans?
Helsing: Paid only. Shield AI: Paid only.
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